At Houston Methodist, the Laboratory Animal Veterinary Resident position is responsible for conducting initial and ongoing assessment of animal's medical, physical, and psychosocial status, ordering, and interpreting diagnostic studies, performing medical procedures appropriate to their level of training and experience under the direction of the attending veterinarian who retains responsibility. This position participates in ensuring compliance with all federal regulations and guidance with respect to housing and using animals in a research setting. In addition, as part of their training the Veterinary Resident position is responsible for performing basic animal research duties under the supervision/direction of a Principal Investigator (PI). This position participates in the educational activities of the program and as required, assumes responsibility for teaching and overseeing the work of veterinary technicians.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works in concert with other members of the veterinary care team to provide direct veterinary care to research animals.

• Trains investigators, graduate students and technicians in the humane care and use of laboratory animals.

• Communicates effectively with supervising attending veterinarian regarding the findings of evaluation, physical examination, interpretation of diagnostic tests, and intended interventions on a continuous basis.

• Serves as a role model to team members via effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching and assisting in development of such skills.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides assistance with anesthesia, surgical, post-op care, and technical support when requested for research activities using animals.

• Orders diagnostic tests for animals under the direct supervision of an attending veterinarian.

• Prescribes appropriate drugs to laboratory animals, as treatment plans dictate.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in all aspects of the regulatory process, including IACUC/USDA inspections, AAALAC site visits, animal use protocol review, and post approval monitoring of research protocols. Attends committee meetings (IACUC/HSC/RSC) consistently to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidelines on the humane care and use of laboratory animals.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance, and outcomes.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in the educational activities of the program and as required, assumes responsibility for teaching and supervising veterinary technicians by making daily rounds.

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidence-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or equivalent)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Previously held laboratory animal medicine internships, externships, fellowships, employment and/or research experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Active license from the Texas Veterinary Medical Board which must be obtained before the start date of the residency program. NOTE: Credentials are verified through the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Strong understanding of the laboratory animal medicine field

• Above-average bedside manner in communicating with patients and family members

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

• Superior analytical skills in determining best treatment plans given minimal planning time

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.